Bone Mineral Density Changes in Long-Term Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Real-Life Cohort Study of Native Vitamin D Supplementation

Vitamin D insufficiency has been associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in kidney transplant patients (KTRs). However, the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on BMD remains poorly defined, especially for long-term KTRs. We aimed to investigate the effect of native vitamin D supplementation on the BMD of KTRs during a 2-year follow-up. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. BMD was evaluated with standard DEXA that was performed at baseline (before vitamin D supplementation) and at the end of study period. BMD was assessed at lumbar vertebral bodies (LV) and right femoral neck (FN) by a single operator. According to WHO criteria, results were expressed as the T-score (standard deviation (SD) relative to young healthy adults) and Z-score (SD relative to age-matched controls). Osteoporosis and osteopenia were defined as a T-score ≤ −2.5 SD and a T-score < −1 and a > −2.5 SD, respectively. Based on plasma levels, 25-OH-vitamin D (25-OH-D) was supplemented as recommended for the general population. Data from 100 KTRs were analyzed. The mean study period was 27.7 ± 3.4 months. At study inception, 25-OH-D insufficiency and deficiency were recorded in 65 and 35 patients. At the basal DEXA, the percentage of osteopenia and osteoporosis was 43.3% and 18.6% at LV and 54.1% and 12.2% at FN, respectively. At the end of the study, no differences in the Z-score and T-score gains were observed. During linear mixed model analysis, native vitamin D supplementation was found to have a negative nitration with Z-score changes at the right femoral neck in KTRs (p < 0.05). The mean dose of administered cholecalciferol was 13.396 ± 7.537 UI per week; increased 25-OH-D levels were found (p < 0.0001). Either low BMD or 25-OH-vitamin D concentration was observed in long-term KTRs. Prolonged supplementation with 25-OH-D did not modify BMD, Z-score, or T-score.

ĐẶC ĐIỂM LÂM SÀNG, CẬN LÂM SÀNG BỆNH NHÂN XẸP ĐA TẦNG CỘT SỐNG NGỰC VÀ THẮT LƯNG DO LOÃNG XƯƠNG ĐIỀU TRỊ BẰNG PHƯƠNG PHÁP BƠM CEMENT SINH HỌC

Mục đích: Mô tả đặc điểm lâm sàng, cận lâm sàng của các bệnh nhân xẹp đa tầng cột sống ngực, thắt lưng được điều trị bằng phương pháp bơm cement sinh học. Phương pháp nghiên cứu: Mô tả cắt ngang 28 trường hợp xẹp đa tầng cột sống ngực thắt lưng được điều trị bằng phương pháp bơm cement sinh học đa tầng tại Bệnh viện Bạch Mai từ tháng 01 năm 2019 đến tháng 6 năm 2021. Kết quả: Tỷ lệ nữ/ nam: 8.35, tuổi trung bình 70.5 tuổi (44-86), 100% bệnh nhân có bệnh nền. Triệu chứng chính: đau đột ngột tại cột sống do chấn thương nhẹ hoặc tự nhiên kèm hạn chế vận động do đau, VAS trung bình 7.04 điểm (6-9), tổng số 103 đốt xẹp mới, vị trí tổn thương nhiều nhất ở T12 (17 đốt xẹp), chủ yếu là xẹp hình chêm (51.5%), 75% bệnh nhân có biến dạng cột sống, T-Score trung bình -3.89. Kết luận: Xẹp đa tầng cột sống ngực thắt lưng do loãng xương chủ yếu ở bệnh nhân cao tuổi, nữ giới, có bệnh lý nền, khởi phát sau một chấn thương nhẹ hoặc tự nhiên, thường đau kéo dài, tỷ lệ biến dạng cột sống cao, mức độ loãng xương nặng.

Automated Cerebral Infarct Detection on Computed Tomography Images Based on Deep Learning

The limited accuracy of cerebral infarct detection on CT images caused by the low contrast of CT hinders the desirable application of CT as a first-line diagnostic modality for screening of cerebral infarct. This research was aimed at utilizing convolutional neural network to enhance the accuracy of automated cerebral infarct detection on CT images. The CT images underwent a series of preprocessing steps mainly to enhance the contrast inside the parenchyma, adjust the orientation, spatially normalize the images to the CT template, and create a t-score map for each patient. The input format of the convolutional neural network was the t-score matrix of a 16 × 16-pixel patch. Non-infarcted and infarcted patches were selected from the t-score maps, on which data augmentation was conducted to generate more patches for training and testing the proposed convolutional neural network. The convolutional neural network attained a 93.9% patch-wise detection accuracy in the test set. The proposed method offers prompt and accurate cerebral infarct detection on CT images. It renders a frontline detection modality of ischemic stroke on an emergent or regular basis.

Preliminary Steps Toward Extracting the Specific Alternative Model for Personality Disorders Diagnoses From Criteria A and B Self-Reports

The Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) retains six specific personality disorders (PDs) that can be diagnosed based on Criterion A level of impairment and Criterion B maladaptive facets. Those specific diagnoses are still underresearched, despite the preference expressed by most PD scholars for a mixed/hybrid classification. This study explores the possibility of using Criterion A and B self-report questionnaires to extract the specific AMPD diagnoses. Plausible prevalence estimates were found in three samples (outpatient PD, private practice, community; N = 766) using the facet score > 2 and t score > 65 methods for determining the presence of a Criterion B facet; diagnoses had meaningful correlations with external variables. This study provides evidence—albeit preliminary—that the extraction of the specific AMPD PDs from self-report questionnaires might be a viable avenue. Ultimately, it could promote the use and dissemination of those diagnoses for screening purposes in clinical and research settings.

Associations between air pollution and psychiatric symptoms in the normative aging study

Background: Environmental risk factors for psychiatric health are poorly identified. We examined the association between air pollution and psychiatric symptoms, which are often precursors to the development of psychiatric disorders. Methods: This study included 570 participants in the US Veterans Administration (VA) Normative Aging Study and 1,114 visits (defined as an onsite follow-up at the VA with physical examination and questionnaires) from 2000-2014 with information on the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) to assess their psychiatric symptom levels. Differences in the three BSI global measures (Global Severity Index – GSI, Positive Symptom Distress Index – PSDI and Positive Symptom Total - PST) were reported per interquartile (IQR) increase of residential address-specific air pollutants levels (fine particulate matter – PM2.5, ozone - O3, nitrogen dioxide – NO2) at averages of 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 1 year prior to the visit using generalized additive mixed effects models. We also evaluated modification by neighborhood factors. Results: On average, among the NAS sample (average age, 72.4 yrs. (standard deviation: 6.7 yrs.)), an IQR increase in 1- and 4- week averages of NO2 before visit was associated with a PSDI T score (indicator for psychiatric symptom intensity) increase of 1.60 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.31, 2.89), 1.71 (95% CI: 0.18, 3.23), respectively. Similarly, for each IQR increase in 1- and 4-week averages of ozone before visit, PSDI T-score increased by 1.66 (95% CI: 0.68, 2.65), and 1.36 (95% CI: 0.23, 2.49), respectively. Stronger associations were observed for ozone and PSDI in low house value and low household income areas. No associations were found for PM2.5. Conclusions: Exposure to gaseous air pollutants was associated with higher intensity of psychiatric symptoms among a cohort of older men, particularly in communities with lower socio-economic or housing conditions.

The correlation between volumetric bone mineral density and morphological parameters of the proximal femur and clinical outcomes in ankylosing spondylitis patients with hip involvement

Background To measure volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) with quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in the proximal femur of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with hip involvement and analyze their correlations with radiographic and clinical parameters. Methods Sixty-five AS inpatients were enrolled in this study. The bone mineral density was measured by QCT and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), respectively. The morphological parameters of the proximal femur were measured on digital anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the pelvis. The correlations between them were analyzed by SPSS software. Results The average trabecular vBMD measured at the femoral neck was 136.38 ± 25.58 mg/cm3. According to the BASRI-Hip score, group A consisted of 39 hips (0–2 score) and group B consisted of 26 hips (3–4 score). There were significant differences regarding trabecular CTXA equivalent T-score between group A and B at the femoral neck (p = 0.004); intertrochanteric region (p < 0.001) and greater trochanter (p = 0.001). The trabecular CTXA equivalent T-score at femoral neck had a negative correlation with disease duration (r = − 0.311, p = 0.012) and with CBR (r = − 0.319, p = 0.010). Conclusions The low trabecular bone density at the site of the hip was associated with the duration of disease progression and degree of hip involvement. Meanwhile, it had a correlation with hip function status although we failed to confirm a significant relationship between hip vBMD and disease activity.

Hounsfield Units Value is a Better Predictor of Bone Mineral Density Than the Vertebral Bone Quality Score of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Diseases

Background: Computed tomography Hounsfield unit (HU) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score are both alternative tool to the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry(DEXA) scan T-score to quantify the bone quality. However, it is not known which method more accurately reflects vertebral bone mineral density. Purpose: To evaluate the best method for evaluating vertebral bone mineral density in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.Methods: Eighty-five patients who had at most two vertebrae with severe degeneration at L1–L4 were retrospectively reviewed.HU value was measured by axial CT image, VBQ score was calculated by T1-weighted lumbar MRI image, and L1-L4 T-score and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by DEXA.The correlation of the vertebral HU value and VBQ score to the T-score was analyzed.Results: There were 52 female and 33 male patients. The average age was 57.18±9.65 years . HU values had a positive correlation with BMD and T-score. The correlation coefficients between HU and T-score was 0.751(<0.001) for L1; 0.699(<0.001) for L2; 0.618(<0.001) for L3; 0.543(<0.001) for L4; and 0.677(<0.001) for L1-4.However,VBQ score had a negative correlation with BMD and T-score. The correlation coefficients between VBQ score and T-score was -0.231(<0.05) for L1; -0.246(<0.05) for L2; -0.268(<0.05) for L3; -0.252(<0.05) for L4; and -0.346(<0.01) for L1-4. The correlation coefficients of HU value at L1–L4 were higher than the correlation coefficients of VBQ score . Conclusions: HU value was a better predictor of vertebral bone mineral density than VBQ score in patients with lumbar degenerative disease.

Characteristics Of Physical Condition Of Futsal Athletes In Cianjur District

The purpose of this study was to determine the physical condition of futsal athletes in the Provincial Sports Week Qualification Round. The method used is descriptive quantitative with test and measurement techniques. The population consists of 16 Futsal Futsal Athletes in the Qualification Round of the Provincial Sports Week, and will then be used as research samples. The instrument used is a test and measurement of physical condition of Endurance, Power, Agility, Speed ​​and Flexibility. Data analysis using T score. Based on the results of the analysis showed that the profile of physical condition in physical condition was in the good category with a percentage of 94% (15 people), in physical condition in the moderate category with a percentage of 6% (1 person). With an average of 17, the analysis of the physical condition of the BK Cianjur BK futsal athletes in 2021 is in the good category. That the results of the analysis show that the profile of the physical condition of the futsal athlete BK Porda Cianjur Regency in 2021 is in a good category, so the coach advises the player to better maintain physical condition towards preparation for the Qualification Round of the Provincial Sports Week, so that the training program can be adapted to the athlete's physical condition. This requires a lot of programmed training to increase the physical condition of the players.

Anthropometry and Physical Condition Profile of Bhayangkara FC Professional Football Athletes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anthropometry and physical condition profile of Bhayangkara FC professional football athletes. The research was conducted by survey. The research sample amounted to 19 athletes. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements including weight, height, and leg length as well as physical condition tests including 30 meter sprint, illinois, sit and reach, vertical jump, Yo Yo Fitness test. The data were analyzed by T-score and then categorized on a scale of very good to very poor. The results showed that the anthropometric profile of Bhayangkara FC professional football athletes were mostly in the moderate category (8 athletes/42.11%), while the others were in the poor category (5 athletes/26.32%), good (3 athletes/15.79%), good once (2 athletes/10.53 %), and less than once (1 athlete 5.26 %). The study also showed that the physical condition profile of Bhayangkara FC professional football athletes were mostly in the moderate category (10 athletes/52.63%), while the others were in the good category (4 athletes/21.05%), less (3 athletes/15.79%), very good (1 athlete/5.26 %), and very poor (1 athlete/5.26 %). In conclusion, the mean anthropometric profile of Bhayangkara FC professional football athletes showed a moderate category and the mean physical condition profile of Bhayangkara FC professional football athletes showed a moderate category.